The Library Muse
 Let me apologize for not being at the October meeting, but I was called away for work. No, fortunately I didn’t join the ranks of the gainfully employed; this was the business of outdoor recreation. In the Northwood’s there is a short time window between mosquito season and ice-up. Just enough time for a little last-minute leaf peeping, fishing, target practice, and maybe a malt soda or two. And getting the piers in and cabins closed for the winter before the plumbing freezes up. So there was some work involved, it wasn’t all fun and games. But it has to get done, winter comes quick up in Gitchigumi.
We will be back for the November meeting. As this will be your last chance to get materials from the library until late January, please let me know before the meeting if you want to check something out. Email is best, but do not text. For November we will add a new DVD, reviewed below. Happy Thanksgiving.
Champion Surtees
Profile of a Legend
DVD European format, 2004, 60 minutes
This DVD is in European format and will not play on a standard player. It does however work fine on both my laptop and desk computers. The Telegraph Newspaper was handing a copy out when one bought a Sunday paper at the Goodwood Speed Festival, so how could I say no?
John Surtees is the only person to have won world driving championships with both motorcycles and Formula One. The first part of the video has a lot of vintage film footage (color and B&W) of ‘50s motor cycle racing on both race tracks and such places as the Isle of Mann. Even though I am not a motorcycle guy, I found it to be quite interesting, especially where they jump bikes over an MG-T. The second part has less race footage; it is more of an oral history by Surtees about the ‘60s and his switch from bikes to cars, driving for Reg Parnell, winning with Ferrari, moving to Honda, then starting his own race team.
DID – U – KNOW
by Facia Nearside
Although the three-wheel Morgan may seem like a novelty today, it was this unique design which allowed the company to establish its roots. Only after 26 successful years of the tricycle did a four-wheel addition arrive. Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan fabricated his first single seat three wheeled runabout in 1908. Powered by a 7 hp Peugeot motorcycle engine the cyclecar had chain drive, tiller steering, and a two-speed transmission.
Putting it into production in 1910 he founded the Morgan Motor Company. Although some interest was shown, sales were slow, and Morgan realized a two-seater was needed to meet consumer needs. Built in 1911 the two-seat design included a windscreen, bonnet, and steering wheel. The vehicle proved very popular and was even displayed in the window of Harrods. Morgan then solidified its reputation with racing success during the years leading up to WWI. Following the war, Morgan continued to introduce technical improvements including a dynamo, electric headlamps and hooter, and front wheel brakes.
Perhaps the largest change however was the addition of two children’s seats behind the front bench creating a 2 + 2 model. In 1936 Morgan succumbed to changing times and conventional wisdom by introducing their first four-wheel car, the Morgan 4/4. Three-wheel production finally wound up its 42-year run in 1952, although it has since been reintroduced.
Although Morgan four-wheel production continues, it was the extremely successful three wheeled models which established the proud automaker. To this day a Morgan three-wheeler is the only car ever displayed in the window of London’s iconic department store: Harrods.
Reprinted from British Boots & Bonnets Chronicle— June 2017 issue.
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November 2017
